Islamabad: (Parliament Times) A two days Annual Rice Research Review and Planning meeting was held at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Islamabad on July 9-10, 2020. The meeting was attended by representatives from the provincial agriculture research and Extension system, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. The representatives of private sector (seed companies, service providers Millers and exporters also participated.
Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Chairman, PARC in his concluding remarks appreciated the role of private and public sector for the interest in research and development of rice in the country. He told the participants that PARC is committed to strengthen the rice research and development in the country through human resource development and allied facilities.
Dr. Muhammad Ayub Khan, Member, Plant Sciences Division, PARC appreciated the role of seed companies and public sector institutes for making efforts to improve the potential of rice hybrids/varieties in Pakistan. He emphasized to consider the significant effects of climate change in variety development, agronomic practices for growing crops, redesigning or necessary modifications in farm machinery for enhancing crop productivity.
Engr Shamim ul Sibtain Shah Director General NARC appreciated the role of National Coordinator (Rice) for organizing the meeting in the current corona pandemic. He also appreciated the role of service providers in mechanized farming in the country. Representatives of private sector expressed their interest to work in collaboration with the public sector.